london077 The Market Porter This robust fellow represents the years between 1666-1970 when Covent Garden was home to the most famous market in the world. London's largest fruit and vegetable market gathered impetus after the great fire had destroyed much of the City and for three centuries market traders were the lifeblood of Covent Garden. Porters were burly and dexterous, not the brightest but they were admired for (and proud of) being "London born and London bred. Strong in the arm and thick in the 'ed". Horses were also used but only in moderation since access to the Piazza was very limited due to the width restriction of connecting alleyways. These narrow, yet unroofed passageways, account for the odd methods used by the porters to carry their wares. In the early mornings, porters would pile baskets of greengroceries high on their heads so they'd be ready for sale to the gentle folk and shopkeepers who would visit later in the day from across London and the surrounding area to buy their fresh produce. After a hard day's work local watering holes would respond to the drunken verses and cheers of these hardworking market porters, readying themselves for tomorrow.